That increases the chances that they could play this week against the Buffalo Bills.

Rice has a strained left hip flexor, and Canty has a strained groin.

"He was close this week to a degree," Harbaugh said of Rice. "So was Chris. Muscle things, you never know for sure. but they were in theballpark this week. I think that puts them really in the ballpark [for Sunday].

"We have a chance to get Chris back. We have a chance to get Ray back. We'll see as the week goes on how it goes."

Running back Shaun Draughn has a high-ankle sprain and no roster move is regarded as imminent. Draughn downplayed the severity of the injury.

"Injury-wise we got through the game pretty well," Harbaugh said. "Terrence Cody has a sprained knee. I think it would be a stretch to expect him back this week. We're going to try. More likely it will be after this week coming back."